Dorminey to lead Eagles program

Chris Dorminey has been hired as Trinity Christian’s interim head football coach, athletic director Buddy Shacklette said Wednesday.

The move appears to end a tumultuous period for the program, and comes less than a week before the first day of fall practice (Monday) allowed by the Florida High School Athletic Association.

Dorminey, 34, replaces Greg Fowler, who was hired in February but stepped down July 22 before ever coaching a game at the school. Fowler cited dwindling numbers in the program as his reason for resigning, saying he did not believe Trinity Christian would be able to maintain a team this season.

But Dorminey, who was the co-off-ensive coordinator at Jensen Beach in 2012 and has 10 years of experience as an assistant, said he was confident after sitting in on a parents’ meeting at Trinity Christian on Sunday afternoon.

“Once we had everyone in the same spot, all the rumors and speculation were put to rest,” he said. “All the kids were there, and they said they wanted to play. We have a team. No one is going anywhere.”

Dorminey expects to field a roster of 20 players, but added he hopes to convince a few more to join the team.

“There is no doubt about it (we are in a tough situation),” he said. “But I feel like we have some solid athletes, and I believe we have a lot of speed.

“Most jobs I have been to, we started with low numbers. It will be rough coming in after a little bit of uncertainty (with the program), but at the same time, if I didn’t believe in the program, I wouldn’t be there.”

With Dorminey helping call the plays, Jensen Beach posted a 7-3 record in 2011 before going 2-8 last season. He said he returned this year to Port St. Lucie, where he coached football in 2010, to coach track. He also coached track at Jensen Beach.

“I think you will see a difference in our strength and conditioning,” he said.

Shacklette said he feels Dorminey is the long-term solution for the program, but because of the late timing of the hire he decided to attach an interim tag to the position this season.

“That is just an insurance policy for both sides,” Shacklette said.

Dorminey said he will likely implement an option attack this season. And thanks to some maneuvering from Shacklette, he will have some extra time to work with his new team.

Shacklette said Trinity will open the season with a Sept. 13 home game against Winter Garden Foundation Academy.

Shacklette said the Eagles’ regularly scheduled Aug. 30 opener against Jacksonville Providence and Sept. 5 game against Atlantic have been dropped from the schedule.

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